Smoking pipe assembly

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a smoking pipe that more effectively distributes heat and allows for user customization and variation in design. The invention provides a smoking pipe having an elongated stem optionally fitted within a sleeve, a pipe bowl having a cylindrical mortise for receiving one end of the stem and sleeve thereby enabling the pipe bowl to be detachably coupled to one end of the stem and sleeve, and a mouthpiece having a cylindrical mortise for receiving the other end of the stem and sleeve thereby enabling the mouthpiece to be detachably coupled to the other end of the stem and sleeve

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/281,831 filed Jan. 22, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

A metal smoking pipe is a more cost effective option than smoking pipes constructed of traditional materials such as briarwood. A metal smoking pipe is usually constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, brass and other alloys, which are less expensive, more durable and involve a simpler manufacturing process. Furthermore, since metal smoking pipes tend to be assembled from multiple components, a defective part can be replaced as needed.

Metal smoking pipes come with several drawbacks, however. Metals are good heat conductors, and as such, heat from the flame in the bowl can spread throughout the pipe causing the entire pipe to become hot to the touch with use. Consequently, metal pipes can become too hot to hold or cause burns to the lip. Metal smoking pipes also tend to have limited esthetic appeal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a smoking pipe that more effectively distributes heat and allows for user customization and variation in design. The invention provides a smoking pipe having an elongated stem fitted within a sleeve, a pipe bowl having a cylindrical mortise for receiving one end of the stem and sleeve thereby enabling the pipe bowl to be detachably connected to one end of the stem and sleeve, and a mouthpiece having a cylindrical mortise for receiving the other end of the stem and sleeve thereby enabling the mouthpiece to be detachably connected to the other end of the stem and sleeve.

In one aspect, the invention provides a cigarette-shaped smoking pipe that has a stem with a first end and a second end, a pipe bowl detachably coupled to the first stem end, and a mouthpiece detachably coupled to the second stem end, the pipe bowl, stem, and mouthpiece have a common central axis.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the stem has a cylindrical body with a hollow interior extending from the first stem end to the second stem end along the body's central axis to form a smoke-conducting passage; the pipe bowl has a chamber adjoining a draft hole that adjoins a first cylindrical mortise configured to fit the first stem end to detachably couple the pipe bowl to the first stem end, the chamber, draft hole and mortise comprising a common central axis; and the mouthpiece has a second cylindrical mortise configured to fit the second stem end to detachably couple the mouthpiece to the second stem end, the second mortise extending to a smoke outlet, the second mortise and smoke outlet having a common central axis.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the smoke-conducting passage, the draft hole, and the smoke outlet have a substantially similar bore diameter.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the bore diameter is about ⅛^(th) inches.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the pipe bowl is detachably coupled to the first stem end through matched threads on an internal surface of the pipe bowl body forming the first cylindrical mortise and on an external portion of the first stem end that is inserted into the cylindrical mortise.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the mouthpiece is detachably coupled to the second stem end through matched threads on an internal surface of the mouthpiece body forming the second cylindrical mortise and on an external portion of the second stem end that is inserted into the second cylindrical mortise.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the pipe bowl has an internal rim angled to the internal surface forming the first cylindrical mortise, the internal pipe bowl rim defining an outward-facing opening that extends from the first cylindrical mortise to the exterior of the pipe bowl, the outward-facing opening of the pipe bowl comprising a bore diameter greater than that of the first cylindrical mortise; and the mouthpiece has an internal rim angled to the internal surface forming the second cylindrical mortise, the internal mouthpiece rim defining an outward-facing opening that extends from the second cylindrical mortise to the exterior of the mouthpiece, the outward-facing opening of the mouthpiece comprising a bore diameter greater than that of the second cylindrical mortise.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the pipe bowl has a sharp bowl edge.

In some embodiments, a smoking pipe of the invention includes a pipe sleeve having a cylindrical body with a first end and a second end in which: (a) the cylindrical body of the pipe sleeve has a hollow interior extending along the central axis of the sleeve from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end; the first sleeve end is dimensioned to fit securely in the outward-facing, pipe bowl opening; the second sleeve end is dimensioned to fit securely in the outward-facing mouthpiece opening; and the hollow interior of the pipe sleeve has a bore diameter greater than the outside diameter of the stem so as to enable the stem to be inserted therein.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the hollow interior of the pipe sleeve has a bore diameter that is about 0.015 inches greater than the outer diameter of the stem.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the pipe sleeve has a length corresponding to the length of the stem between the threaded portions of the first and second stem ends.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the internal rim of the pipe bowl is angled to form a frusto-conical, outward-facing pipe bowl opening comprising a bore diameter that widens toward the exterior of the pipe bowl; the internal rim of the mouthpiece is angled to form a frusto-conical, outward-facing mouthpiece opening comprising a bore diameter that widens toward the exterior of the mouthpiece; the first sleeve end has a tapered portion dimensioned to fit in the frusto-conical, outward-facing, pipe bowl opening; and the second sleeve end comprises a tapered portion dimensioned to fit in the frusto-conical, outward-facing, mouthpiece opening.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the pipe sleeve has a design element. As used herein, the term “design element” refers to an element that is ornamental and, in some embodiment, can also have a useful function. One or more openings on a pipe sleeve, for example, can be ornamental as it adds a distinct appearance to the pipe. The one or more openings can also have a useful function as it allows the user to attach a charm or other ornament to the pipe or facilitates the dissipation of heat from the pipe.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the design element includes an engraving, a color different from that of the sleeve body, a material different from that of the sleeve body, one or more bands encircling the sleeve body, one or more openings passing through the sleeve body, or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the pipe sleeve has a first sleeve end ring fitted to one end of a center sleeve slide, and a second sleeve end ring fitted to the other end of a center sleeve side, the first and second end rings forming the first and second ends of the sleeve, respectively.

In some embodiments, the smoking pipe is about 3 inches in length. In some embodiments, the smoking pipe is made using aluminum, brass, titanium, copper, silver or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the mouthpiece is made using silver or copper. In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the pipe bowl is made using titanium. In some embodiments of a smoking pipe of the invention, the chamber is dimensioned to hold a preselected amount of smoking material.

As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the term “about” in reference to a numeric value means within 10% of the numeric value.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

All patents and publications referenced or mentioned herein are indicative of the levels of skill of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains, and each such referenced patent or publication is hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if it had been incorporated by reference in its entirety individually or set forth herein in its entirety. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this specification any and all materials and information from any such cited patents or publications.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 provides a side perspective view of three-piece, cigarette-shaped smoking pipe 1, which includes pipe bowl 20, stem 40 to which pipe bowl 20 is attached at one end, and mouthpiece 60, which is attached to the other end of stem 40.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate four-piece, cigarette-shaped smoking pipe 10 including a side perspective view from the pipe bowl end (2A) and an exploded, side perspective view (2B).

FIGS. 3A-3C provide an end view from the bowl end of bowl member 20 (3A), a side view of bowl member 20 (3B), and an end view from the threaded-end of bowl member (3C).

FIGS. 4A-4C provide a perspective view from the threaded end of mouthpiece 60 (4A), side view of mouthpiece 60 (4B), and an end view from the mouthpiece outlet end of mouthpiece 60 (4C).

FIGS. 5A-5B provide a side view of stem 40 (5A) and an end view of stem 40 (5B).

FIGS. 6A-6D provide a side perspective view of sleeve 80 (6A), an end view of sleeve 80 (6B), a side view of sleeve 80 (6C), and an enlarged view of one end of sleeve 80 (region 6D in FIG. 6C).

FIGS. 7A-7H provide several views of sleeves that can be used in a smoking pipe of the invention including: perspective views of sleeves with an elongated cylindrical body having a hollow interior channel (7A, 7B, 7C), a perspective view of a three-piece sleeve with central slide and two end rings (7D), a perspective view of two-piece sleeve with a central slide and end ring (7E), a perspective view of a one-piece sleeve with plurality of body openings (7F), a perspective view of a one-piece sleeve with plurality of body rings (7G), and a cross-sectional view of the sleeves shown in FIGS. 7A-7G (7H).

FIGS. 8A-8H provide additional views of a four-piece, cigarette-shaped smoking pipe including two side views of smoking pipe 10 (8A & 8B), a cross-sectional view of smoking pipe 10 along line 8C-8C of FIG. 8A (8C), an end view of smoking pipe 10 (8D), two enlarged views of portions 8E and 8F of the cross-section shown in FIG. 8C (8E & 8F), and two views analogous to FIGS. 8E and 8F of an alternative smoking pipe embodiment that utilizes pipe bowl 200 and mouthpiece 600.

FIGS. 9A-9D provide perspective views of four embodiments of a customizable cigarette-shaped smoking pipe of the invention.

FIGS. 10A-10D provide side views of the four embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9D.

FIGS. 11A-11B provide a perspective view of four-piece, cigarette-shaped smoking pipe 10A with a one-piece sleeve as viewed from the pipe bowl end (11A) and an exploded view from a side perspective (11B).

FIGS. 12A-12C provide a perspective view of six-piece, cigarette-shaped smoking pipe 100 with three-piece sleeve 180 from its pipe bowl end (12A), and exploded views of the three-piece sleeve and three piece pipe making up smoking pipe 100 including: an exploded view of three-piece sleeve 180 taken from a side perspective (12B), and an exploded view of the pipe bowl, stem and mouthpiece from a side perspective (12C).

FIGS. 13A-13B provide a side perspective view of four-piece, cigarette-shaped smoking pipe 200 with sleeve 280 as viewed from its pipe bowl end (14A), and an exploded view of smoking pipe 300 from a side perspective illustrating the components that form pipe 300 including bowl member 20, stem 40, sleeve 380, and mouthpiece 60 (14B).

FIGS. 14A-14B provide a side perspective view of four-piece, cigarette-shaped smoking pipe 300 with multi-ring sleeve 380 as viewed from its pipe bowl end (14A), and an exploded view of smoking pipe 300 from a side perspective illustrating the components that form pipe 300 including bowl member 20, stem 40, sleeve 380, and mouthpiece 60 (14B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a smoking pipe that more effectively distributes heat and allows for user customization and variation in design. A smoking pipe of the invention has a stem optionally fitted within a sleeve, a pipe bowl having a cylindrical mortise for receiving one end of the stem and sleeve thereby enabling the pipe bowl to be detachably coupled to one end of the stem and sleeve, and a mouthpiece having a cylindrical mortise for receiving the other end of the stem and sleeve thereby enabling the mouthpiece to be detachably coupled to the other end of the stem and sleeve. Specific embodiments of the invention are described in the following examples, which do not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

Smoking Pipes

An embodiment of a smoking pipe of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Three-piece smoking pipe 1 includes pipe bowl 20 at one end, mouthpiece 60 at the other end and threaded stem 40 disposed therebetween. Pipe bowl 20 is secured to one end of stem 40 though matched ¼-inch threads on an internal surface of pipe bowl 20 and on an external surface of one end portion of stem 40. Similarly, mouthpiece 60 is secured to the other end of stem 40 through matched ¼-inch threads on an internal surface of mouthpiece 60 and on an external surface of the other end portion of stem 40.

A smoking pipe of the invention can include a customizable sleeve dimensioned to match a select stem, pipe bowl and mouthpiece assembly. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a smoking pipe of the invention in which threaded stem 40 is enclosed within an external sleeve. Smoking pipe 10 includes sleeve 80, within which threaded stem 40 is disposed. Pipe bowl 20 is coupled to threaded stem 40 and sleeve 80 at one end, and to mouthpiece 60 and sleeve 80 at the other end. Sleeve 80 has a tube-like or cylindrical structure having a hollow interior that extends longitudinally along the axis of sleeve 80 from one end of sleeve 80 to the other. The hollow interior of sleeve 80 is dimensioned to enable stem 40 to fit within sleeve 80 thereby forming a tube within a tube structure. Sleeve 80 has a length shorter than the length of stem 40 thereby allowing the threaded ends of stem 40 inserted within sleeve 80 to engage unhindered with the threaded portions within pipe bowl 20 and mouthpiece 60. Sleeve 80 within which stem 40 is inserted is then held between pipe bowl 20 at one end and mouthpiece 60 at the other end when pipe bowl 20 and mouthpiece 60 are fastened to the ends of stem 40.

Pipe Bowl

An example of a pipe bowl that can be used in a smoking pipe of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, which provide three views of pipe bowl 20. Pipe bowl 20 is about 0.68 inches from end to end. It has a cylindrical body with a hollow interior that extends from one end of the cylindrical body to the other end (FIG. 3B) thereby forming a body with two open ends. The hollow interior of pipe bowl 20 has a circular cross-section (FIG. 3A, 3C), the openings having various bore diameters as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3C. Pipe bowl 20 has a sharp, bowl edge 20S at one end and a smooth mortise edge 20M at the other end (FIG. 3B).

The bowl end of pipe bowl 20 includes external chamfer 20B (thickness of about 0.05 inches) extending at about a 30-degree angle to form sharp edge 20S, the outer edge of bowl chamber 28. Sharp circular edge 20S can be use to cut loose materials added to bowl chamber 28. Chamber 28, which has a bore diameter of 0.3125 inches ( 5/16^(th) inch) at its widest, extends longitudinally along the central axis for about 0.125 inches (⅛^(th) inch), then narrows to ⅛^(th) inch where it adjoins draft hole 26, which has a bore diameter of ⅛^(th) inch.

Draft hole 26 extends longitudinally along the central axis to frusto-conical portion 25 defined by wall 25 w. Frusto-conical portion 25 adjoins cylindrical mortise 24, which is defined by wall 24 w and has a constant bore diameter of about 0.29 inches (FIG. 3B). Wall 24 w includes ¼-inch thread 24T that allows pipe bowl 20 to be fastened to a threaded end of the stem of a smoking pipe of the invention. Cylindrical mortise 24 adjoins outward-facing, frusto-conical opening 22 defined by internal chamfer 22C of about 45 degrees against which the beveled edge of the sleeve contacts as discussed further below (FIG. 8E). Outward-facing, frusto-conical opening 22 is configured to accommodate the tip of a sleeve of the invention when it is held between pipe bowl 20 on one end and mouthpiece 60 on the other end. The mortise end of pipe bowl 20 is also configured with external taper 20C (FIG. 3B) with a thickness of about 0.01 inches to form smooth mortise edge 20M.

FIG. 3A provides an end view of pipe bowl 20 from the chamber end and illustrates the circular cross-sectional structure of pipe bowl 20 with its hollow interior defined by openings of various bore sizes. Chamber wall 28 w, which extends longitudinally outward to sharp edge 20S, has a bore diameter greater than that of threaded opening 24 defined by wall 24 w (dotted lines). Draft hole 26 defined by wall 26 w has the smallest bore diameter. Edge 28 w/20S and 20 e define external chamfer 20B.

FIG. 3C provides an end view of pipe bowl 20 from mortise end 20M. It also illustrates the circular cross-sectional structure of pipe bowl 20 with its hollow interior defined by openings of various bore sizes. Wall 26 w define draft hole 26, which has the narrowest bore diameter. Wall 24 w define threaded opening 24, which has a bore diameter greater than that of draft hole 26 and narrower than that of bowl chamber 28 defined by wall 28 w (dotted line).

In general, a pipe bowl of the invention has a cylindrical body with a hollow interior extending from end to end to form two open ends, an open chamber end for receiving loose smoking material and a mortise end for mounting to the end of a stem and optionally a sleeve. The hollow interior can have various bore sizes defining a bowl chamber, a draft hole and a cylindrical mortise for mounting to the end of a stem and optionally sleeve. The chamber end of the pipe bowl can have a sharp outer edge to facilitate cutting and packing loose smoking materials into the bowl chamber. The chamber can include a frustoconical portion having a bore diameter that narrows to a draft hole to facilitate passage of smoke as it is drawn into the draft hole. The draft hole extends toward the mortise end of the pipe bowl. The pipe bowl can include widening frustoconical portion between the draft hole and cylindrical mortise to facilitate passage of smoke being drawn into the mortise opening and into the stem inserted into the mortise. The mortise end of the pipe bowl includes a cylindrical mortise for accommodating the end portion of a stem. The wall of the cylindrical mortise, or at least a portion of the wall, can include threads matched to threads on an end of the stem to facilitate fastening the pipe bowl to the stem. The mortise end also can include wider outward-facing opening adjoining the cylindrical mortise for accommodating a sleeve configured to enclose the stem. The wider outward-facing opening can include an internal surface that form a rim angled with respect to the wall of the mortise to form the base of the wider opening for receiving a sleeve. The rim can be perpendicular to the wall of the mortise so as to form an internal stop surface against which the end of a sleeve can be held as illustrated in FIG. 8G (rim 220R). Rim 220R of pipe bowl 200, for example, define outward-facing opening 220 and provides a stop against which sleeve 800 can be held. The rim can be at an angle so as to form an internal chamfer against which the end of a sleeve can be held as illustrated in FIG. 8E (chamfer 22C). The angle can be, for example, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 85 degrees.

Mouthpiece

An example of a mouthpiece that can be used in a smoking pipe of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, which provides three views of mouthpiece 60. Mouthpiece 60 has a cylindrical body with a hollow interior that extends from one end of the cylindrical body to the other end (FIG. 4B) thereby forming a body with two open ends. Mouthpiece 60 has circular cross-section (4A, 4C) with a hollow interior having openings of various bore diameters (4B, dotted lines). Mouthpiece 60 is about 0.38 inches in length from from mortise end 60M to outlet end 60O and has a diameter of about 0.375 inches (⅜^(th) inch). Mortise end 60M includes a 45-degree internal chamfer 62C, which defines frustoconical opening 62 configured to receive the sleeve and against which the beveled edge of the sleeve contacts when held between pipe bowl 20 at one end and mouthpiece 60 at the other end. Frustoconical opening 62 extends inwardly to cylindrical mortise 64 formed by wall 64 w. Wall 64 w includes a threaded portion configured with ¼-inch thread 64T to allow the threaded end of the stem to be fastened to mouthpiece 60. Frustoconical, outward-facing opening 62, has a diameter that narrows as it extends toward cylindrical mortise 64. As such, frusto-conical opening 62 has a wider bore than cylindrical mortise 64. This allows opening 62 to accommodate a sleeve having a bore diameter greater than the outer diameter of the stem with which the sleeve is configured to enclose. Cylindrical mortise 64 narrows to opening 68, which forms the outlet of mouthpiece 60. Mouthpiece 60 is also configured with rounded corners 60R (thickness about 0.05 inches).

FIG. 4A provides a perspective view of mouthpiece 60 from the threaded end and illustrates the cylindrical structure of mouthpiece 60 with its hollow interior defined by openings of various bore sizes. Internal chamfer 62C extends inwardly to opening 64 defined by wall 64 w. Threads 64T on wall 64 w allow mouthpiece 60 to be fastened to a stem of the invention. Mortise end 60M of mouthpiece 60 is also configured with external taper 60C (4A, 4B) with a thickness of about 0.01 inches.

FIG. 4C provides an end view of mouthpiece 60 from the outlet and illustrates the circular cross-sectional structure of mouthpiece 60 with its hollow interior defined by openings of various bore sizes. Wall 68 w define outlet hole 68, which has the narrowest bore diameter. Wall 64 w define cylindrical mortise 64, which has a bore diameter greater than that of outlet hole 68.

In general, a mouthpiece of the invention has a cylindrical body with a hollow interior extending from end to end to form two open ends, a mortise end for mounting to the end of a stem and optionally a sleeve, and an outlet end. The hollow interior can have bore of various diameters defining a cylindrical mortise for mounting to the end of a stem and optionally sleeve and an outlet.

The mortise end of the mouthpiece includes a cylindrical mortise for accommodating the end portion of a stem. The wall of the cylindrical mortise, or at least a portion of the wall, can include threads matched to threads on an end of the stem to facilitate fastening the pipe bowl to the stem. The threaded end of the cylindrical mortise can adjoin a wider outward-facing opening for accommodating a sleeve configured to enclose the stem. The wider outward-facing opening can include an internal surface that forming a rim angled with respect to the wall of the cylindrical mortise to form the base of the wider opening for receiving a sleeve. The rim can be perpendicular to the wall of the mortise so as to form an internal stop surface against which the end of a sleeve can be held as illustrated in FIG. 8H (rim 620R). Rim 620R of mouthpiece 600, for example, define outward-facing opening 620 and provides a stop against which sleeve 800 can be held. Alternatively, the rim can be at an angle so as to form an internal chamfer against which the end of a sleeve can be held as illustrated in FIG. 8F (chamfer 62C). The angle can be, for example, about 30 degrees, about 35 degrees, about 40 degrees, about 45 degrees, about 50 degrees, about 55 degrees, about 60 degrees, about 65 degrees, about 70 degrees, about 75 degrees, about 80 degrees, or about 85 degrees.

The other end of the cylindrical mortise can adjoin an intermediate frusto-conical portion between the cylindrical mortise and outlet. The frusto-conical portion has a bore diameter that narrows toward the outlet portion so as to facilitate passage of smoke out of the mortise in the direction of the outlet. The outlet can have a narrow bore diameter to facilitate suction out of the pipe.

Stem and Sleeve

The stem and sleeve of a smoking pipe of the invention each has an elongated cylindrical body with a hollow interior defined by an open first end, an open second end and a channel extending longitudinally along its central axis from the first end to the second end.

And example of a stem that can be used in a smoking pipe of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B. Stem 40 has an elongated, rod-shaped body with a hollow interior. Stem body 42 has a cylindrical structure with hollow interior passage 46 extending longitudinally along its central axis from a first end to a second end. Stem 40 can have a length of about 2.34 inches from end to end, a bore diameter of about 0.125 inches (⅛^(th) inches +/− 1/16^(th) inches), and an outer diameter of about 0.25 or ¼ inches. A portion near each end of stem 40 (about 0.156 inches) is configured with thread 44T on the exterior surface that are complementary to thread 24T in pipe bowl 20 and thread 64T in mouthpiece 60, thus enabling pipe bowl 20 and mouth piece 60 to be fastened to each end of stem 40. Thread 44T is about 0.156 inches or about 4.3 threads (¼ inch threads, 28 threads per inch).

And example of a sleeve that can be used in a smoking pipe of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D. Sleeve 80 has an elongated, rod-shaped body with a circular cross-section having a hollow interior (FIG. 6B). Sleeve wall 82 w forms a cylindrical structure with hollow interior passage 86 extending longitudinally along its central axis from a first open end to a second open end. Sleeve 80 can have a length of about 2.04 inches from end to end, and a bore diameter of about 0.265 inches. The beveled ends of sleeve 80 are illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D. The beveled ends, about 0.01 inches thick, are formed by exterior taper 80 b on each end of sleeve 80. The first beveled end of sleeve 80 allow sleeve 80 to fit within frusto-conical opening 22 defined by internal chamfer 22C of pipe bowl 20 at one end, exterior taper 80 b of sleeve 80 forming an opposing surface to internal chamfer 22C of pipe bowl 20. The second beveled end of sleeve 80 allow sleeve 80 to fit within frusto-conical opening 62 defined by internal chamfer 62C of mouthpiece 60 at the other end, exterior taper 80 b of sleeve 80 forming an opposing surface to internal chamfer 62C of mouthpiece 60. Thus, sleeve 80 is held in place between pipe bowl 20 and mouthpiece 60, which are in turn held together through operation of matched threads at each end of the stem and those within the pipe bowl and mouth piece that mechanically fastens the pipe bowl to one end of the stem and the mouth piece to the other end of the stem.

In general, a sleeve and stem of the invention have a similar hollow tubular structure defined by a cylindrical body with hollow longitudinal opening that extends from one end to the other. The sleeve is configured to enclose a select stem, the stem being dimensioned to fit within the hollow interior of the sleeve. The sleeve can have a bore diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the stem by any amount, for example, by about 0.01 inches, about 0.015 inches, about 0.02 inches, about 0.025 inches, about 0.03 inches, about 0.035 inches, about 0.04 inches, about 0.045 inches, about 0.05 inches, about 0.055 inches, about 0.05 inches, about 0.055 inches, about 0.06 inches, about 0.065 inches, about 0.07 inches, about 0.075 inches, about 0.08 inches, about 0.085 inches, about 0.09 inches, about 0.095 inches or about 0.1 inches. The difference between the size of the bore of the sleeve and outer diameter of the stem allow the stem to be held suspended within the sleeve, the gap and therefore absence of contact between stem and the sleeve surfaces limits heat transfer to the sleeve allowing the user to smoke for a longer time period before the pipe becomes uncomfortable to hold. For example, hollow interior 86 of sleeve 80 has a diameter of about 0.265 inches, while stem 40 has an outer diameter of about 0.25 inches. The 0.015-inch diameter difference allows stem 40 to be suspended inside sleeve 80 with a gap of 0.0075 inches between stem and sleeve when assembled between pipe bowl 20 and mouthpiece 60 as discussed herein.

The stem can have an internal bore diameter of any amount so long as its outer diameter is less than the bore diameter of the sleeve with which it is matched. The stem can have an internal bore diameter of about 0.0625 to about 0.25 inches ( 1/16^(th) to about ¼ inches), for example, about 0.125 inches (+/− 1/16 ^(th) inches).

The sleeve can have any length so long as it shorter than the distance between stem end portions that engage with the pipe bowl and mouthpiece so as to allow the stem end portions to engage with the pipe bowl and mouthpiece unhindered. The length of the sleeve from end to end can correspond to the distance between the rim of the pipe bowl and the rim of the mouthpiece that form the wider outward facing openings of the pipe bowl and mouthpiece configured to receive the sleeve when the pipe bowl and mouthpiece are fastened to the stem. For example, sleeve 80 can have a length that corresponds to length L_(sl) on the smooth portion of stem 40 occurring between the threaded portions 44T. As such, when a sleeve is included in a smoking pipe of the invention, the sleeve is held in place between the pipe bowl and mouthpiece, the latter two components being held together through the operation of matched threads at each end of the stem and those within the pipe bowl and mouth piece that mechanically fastens the pipe bowl to one end of the stem and the mouth piece to the other end of the stem.

A sleeve of the invention also can optionally include one or more openings to facilitate heat dissipation. The opening can be disposed anywhere on the sleeve, for example, near one end of the sleeve, e.g. opening 80 o, so as to be positionable near the mouthpiece as illustrated in FIG. 6C.

A sleeve that can be used in a smoking pipe of the invention also can have any design feature so long as it has an elongated cylindrical body with a hollow interior defined by a first end, a second end and a channel extending longitudinally along its central axis from the first end to the second end. FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate examples of sleeves that can be used in a smoking pipe of the invention. Sleeve 80 (FIG. 7A) has elongated cylindrical body 82 with hollow interior channel 86 extending longitudinally along its central axis from a first end to a second end. Sleeve 80A and 80B (FIGS. 7B & 7C) each has a substantially similar body as sleeve 80. Elongated cylindrical body 82A of sleeve 80A includes opening 88 extending through body 82A to interior channel 86A thereby allowing for air exchange between the exterior and interior of sleeve 80A. Elongated cylindrical body 82B of sleeve 80B includes a second opening, opening 88 a, extending through body 82B to interior channel 86B thereby allowing for air and/or heat exchange between the exterior and interior of sleeve 80B. Sleeve 180 (FIG. 7D) is a three-piece sleeve having a body formed by central slide 182 a and two sleeve end rings 182 c that fit one on each end of central slide 182 a. Central slide 182 a and the two sleeve end rings 182 c together form an elongated cylindrical body with a hollow interior channel 186 extending longitudinally along its central axis from a first end to a second end. Central slide 182 a also includes opening 188 analogous to opening 88 in sleeve 80. Sleeve 190 (FIG. 7E) is a two-piece sleeve having a body formed by central slide 192 a and sleeve end ring 192 c that fit on one end of central slide 192 a. Central slide 192 a and sleeve end ring 192 c together form an elongated cylindrical body with hollow interior channel 196 extending longitudinally along its central axis from a first end to a second end. Central slide 192 a can optionally include opening 198 analogous to opening 88 in sleeve 80. Sleeve 280 (FIG. 7F) is a one-piece sleeve having body 282 with hollow interior channel 286 extending longitudinally along the central axis of sleeve 280 from a first sleeve end to a second sleeve end. Body 282 is configured with a plurality of openings 287 that can allow for air and/or heat exchange between the exterior and interior of the sleeve. Sleeve 380 (FIG. 7G) is a one-piece sleeve having body 382 and hollow interior channel 386 extending longitudinally along the central axis of sleeve 380 from a first end to a second end. Body 382 is configured with a plurality of rings 387 and opening 388 analogous to opening 88 in sleeve 80. In all cases, a sleeve of the invention has an elongated cylindrical body with a hollow interior channel that extends longitudinally along the central axis of the sleeve from a first sleeve end to a second sleeve end as illustrated in FIG. 7H which depicts a cross-sectional view of sleeve 80. Thus, a sleeve of the invention can include any design, decorative or functional elements.

In general a sleeve of the invention is configured for use with a matched stem, pipe bowl and mouthpiece. A sleeve can be used with a stem where: (1) the sleeve has an interior longitudinal channel with a bore size sufficient to accommodate the stem, i.e. allow the stem to be inserted within, and in some embodiment, of sufficient bore size to allow the stem to be suspended within the sleeve thereby forming a space between the stem and sleeve as exemplified by gap 48 of FIGS. 8E-8F and gap 480 of FIGS. 8G-8H; (2) the sleeve has a length no longer than the distance between end portions of the stem that engages with the pipe bowl and mouthpiece when the stem is inserted within the sleeve to allow the portions of the stem that engage with the pipe bowl and mouthpiece to be exposed and capable of engaging with the pipe bowl and mouthpiece; and (3) each end portion of the sleeve are configured to partially contact, fully contact, or lay flushed against a rim that form the wider outward facing opening of the pipe bowl and mouthpiece for receiving the ends of the sleeve as illustrated in FIGS. 8E-8H.

Each end portions of the stem and sleeve are configured to enable the pipe bowl or mouthpiece to be detachably connected. Any means know in the art for connecting metal tubes can be used. For example, each end portion of the stem can include external threads that match internal threads in the pipe bowl and mouthpiece. Each end portion of the sleeve can include a taper configured to lay flushed against an internal surface in the pipe bowl and mouthpiece when the pipe bowl and mouthpiece is fastened to the stem. Alternatively, each end portion of the sleeve can be rounded, flat or square shape so as to partially contact, fully contact or lay flushed against an internal surface in the pipe bowl and mouthpiece when the pipe bowl and mouthpiece is fastened to the stem as illustrated in FIGS. 8G and 8H (component 220R and 620R).

Smoking Pipe 10

An embodiment of a smoking pipe of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8D. Smoking pipe 10 is about 3 inches in length end-to-end, while the visible portion of sleeve 80 is about 1.950 inches in length. FIGS. 8B and 8C provide views of the hollow interior structure of smoking pipe 10. Pipe bowl 20 at one end of pipe 10 has chamber 28 with a bore diameter of about 0.3125 inches ( 5/16^(th) inch) at its widest. Chamber 28 includes a frustoconical portion that narrows to an opening having a diameter of about 0.125 inches (⅛^(th) inch) forming draft hole 26. Draft hole 26 extends away from bowl chamber 28 to cylindrical mortise 24, an opening on the other end of pipe bowl 20 having a bore diameter of about 0.25 inches (¼ inches) at its widest. The portion of the wall forming cylindrical mortise 24 is configured with ¼ inch internal threads that matched to those on stem 40 to allow stem 40 to be fastened to pipe bowl 20. Cylindrical mortise 24 extends to frustoconical opening 22, which is defined by internal chamfer 22C. Frustoconical opening 22 widens toward the end of pipe bowl 20 to receive a beveled end of sleeve 80.

FIG. 8D illustrates pipe 10 as viewed from the pipe bowl end. Chamber 28 narrows to draft hole 26, which has a bore diameter about the same size as the bore diameter of stem 40 (diameter of opening 46), e.g. about 0.125 or ⅛^(th) inches.

FIGS. 8E and 8F provide enlarged views of two portions of the cross-section of smoking pipe 10 shown in FIG. 8C. FIG. 8E illustrate the region of pipe bowl 20 where threaded stem 40 and sleeve 80 engage with pipe bowl 20. External threads 44T on each ends of stem 40 are matched with the internal threads 24T disposed on a portion of the wall defining cylindrical mortise 24 of pipe bowl 20 or internal threads 64T disposed on a portion of the wall defining cylindrical mortise 64 of mouthpiece 60. The matched threads allow pipe bowl 20 to be fastened to one end of stem 40 (FIG. 8E, 44T/24T) and mouthpiece 60 to be fastened to the other end of stem 40 (FIG. 8F, 44T/64T). Pipe bowl 20 is also configured with internal chamfer 22C at its threaded end against which beveled end 80 b of sleeve 80 rests, as shown in FIG. 8E (22C/80 b). Similarly, mouthpiece 60 is configured with internal chamfer 62C against which the other beveled end 80 b of sleeve 80 rests, as shown in FIG. 8F (62C/80 b). As such, sleeve 80 is sandwiched between pipe bowl 20 and mouthpiece 60, while pipe bowl 20 and mouthpiece 60 are held together through stem 40, which is suspended within sleeve 80 as indicated by gap 48 between the outer wall of stem 40 and inner wall of sleeve 80.

Smoking Pipes with Decorative Sleeves

A cigarette-shaped smoking pipe of the invention can be customized with a sleeve chosen by the user. FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate four examples of smoking pipes with sleeves having different design elements.

Smoking pipe 10 (FIG. 9A) includes a simple, one-piece sleeve 80. Smoking pipe 100 (FIG. 9B) includes three-piece sleeve 180 formed using center slide 180A and a sleeve end ring 180C at each end. Three-piece sleeve 180 is further illustrated in FIG. 12B below. Smoking pipe 200 (FIG. 9C) includes one-piece sleeve 280 having a body that is configured with a plurality of circular openings 282. Smoking pipe 300 (FIG. 8D) includes a one-piece sleeve 380 having a body that includes uniformly spaced decorative rings 382. The inner structures of pipes 10, 100, 200 and 300 are similar as shown in FIGS. 10A-10D.

FIGS. 11A-11B, 12A-12C, 13A-13B and 14A-14B illustrate the components assembled to form smoking pipes 10A, 100, 200 and 300. Each pipe includes pipe bowl 20, stem 40, and mouthpiece 60.

A smoking pipe of the invention can constructed from metal or metal alloy including, without limitation, aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, gold, niobium, nitinol, silver, stainless steel, tantalum, titanium, or a combination thereof using methods known to those skilled in the art. The pipe bowl, mouthpiece, stem and sleeve can be constructed of the same material or different materials. The sleeve can include non-metallic materials including, for example and without limitation, leather, fabric, resin, plastic including synthetic, semi-synthetic, or synthetic plastic, and thermoplastics. The bowl can be constructed to hold a select predetermined amount of loose smoking materials.

Other Embodiments

The materials, methods, examples and embodiments described herein are illustrative and not intended to be limiting. Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention. The invention described herein may be practiced in the absence of any element or limitation that is not specifically disclosed as essential. The methods described herein may be practiced in differing orders of steps. Any combination of elements described herein that does not render the invention inoperable as apparent from context, this specification and to those skilled in the art is included within the scope of the invention. The invention also has been described broadly and generically herein. Each narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the generic disclosure form part of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cigarette-shaped smoking pipe comprising a stem having a first end and a second end, a pipe bowl detachably coupled to the first stem end, and a mouthpiece detachably coupled to the second stem end, the pipe bowl, stem, and mouthpiece comprising a common central axis.
 2. The smoking pipe of claim 1, wherein: (a) the stem comprises a cylindrical body with a hollow interior extending from the first stem end to the second stem end along the body's central axis to form a smoke-conducting passage; (b) the pipe bowl comprising a chamber adjoining a draft hole that adjoins a first cylindrical mortise configured to fit the first stem end to detachably couple the pipe bowl to the first stem end, the chamber, draft hole and mortise comprising a common central axis; and (c) the mouthpiece comprising a second cylindrical mortise configured to fit the second stem end to detachably couple the mouthpiece to the second stem end, the second mortise extending to a smoke outlet, the second mortise and smoke outlet comprising a common central axis.
 3. The smoking pipe of claim 2, wherein the smoke-conducting passage, the draft hole, and the smoke outlet comprise a substantially similar bore diameter.
 4. The smoking pipe of claim 3, wherein the bore diameter is about ⅛^(th) inches.
 5. The smoking pipe of claim 2, wherein the pipe bowl is detachably coupled to the first stem end through matched threads on an internal surface of the pipe bowl body forming the first cylindrical mortise and on an external portion of the first stem end that is inserted into the cylindrical mortise.
 6. The smoking pipe of claim 5, wherein the mouthpiece is detachably coupled to the second stem end through matched threads on an internal surface of the mouthpiece body forming the second cylindrical mortise and on an external portion of the second stem end that is inserted into the second cylindrical mortise.
 7. The smoking pipe of claim 6, wherein: (a) the pipe bowl further comprises an internal rim angled to the internal surface forming the first cylindrical mortise, the internal pipe bowl rim defining an outward-facing opening that extends from the first cylindrical mortise to the exterior of the pipe bowl, the outward-facing opening of the pipe bowl comprising a bore diameter greater than that of the first cylindrical mortise; and (b) the mouthpiece further comprises an internal rim angled to the internal surface forming the second cylindrical mortise, the internal mouthpiece rim defining an outward-facing opening that extends from the second cylindrical mortise to the exterior of the mouthpiece, the outward-facing opening of the mouthpiece comprising a bore diameter greater than that of the second cylindrical mortise.
 8. The smoking pipe of claim 7, where the pipe bowl comprises a sharp bowl edge.
 9. The smoking pipe of claim 7, further comprising a pipe sleeve having a cylindrical body with a first end and a second end wherein: (a) the cylindrical body of the pipe sleeve comprises a hollow interior extending along the central axis of the sleeve from the first sleeve end to the second sleeve end; (b) the first sleeve end is dimensioned to fit securely in the outward-facing, pipe bowl opening; (c) the second sleeve end is dimensioned to fit securely in the outward-facing mouthpiece opening; and (d) the hollow interior of the pipe sleeve comprises a bore diameter greater than the outside diameter of the stem so as to enable the stem to be inserted therein.
 10. The smoking pipe of claim 9, wherein the hollow interior of the pipe sleeve comprises a bore diameter that is about 0.015 inches greater than the outer diameter of the stem.
 11. The smoking pipe of claim 9, wherein the pipe sleeve comprises a length corresponding to the length of the stem between the threaded portions of the first and second stem ends.
 12. The smoking pipe of claim 9, wherein: (a) the internal rim of the pipe bowl is angled to form a frusto-conical, outward-facing pipe bowl opening comprising a bore diameter that widens toward the exterior of the pipe bowl; (b) the internal rim of the mouthpiece is angled to form a frusto-conical, outward-facing mouthpiece opening comprising a bore diameter that widens toward the exterior of the mouthpiece; (c) the first sleeve end comprises a tapered portion dimensioned to fit in the frusto-conical, outward-facing, pipe bowl opening; and (d) the second sleeve end comprises a tapered portion dimensioned to fit in the frusto-conical, outward-facing, mouthpiece opening.
 13. The smoking pipe of claim 9, wherein the pipe sleeve comprises a design element.
 14. The smoking pipe of claim 13, wherein the design element comprises an engraving, a color different from that of the sleeve body, a material different from that of the sleeve body, one or more bands encircling the sleeve body, one or more openings passing through the sleeve body, or a combination thereof.
 15. The smoking pipe of claim 9, wherein the pipe sleeve comprises a first sleeve end ring fitted to one end of a center sleeve slide, and a second sleeve end ring fitted to the other end of a center sleeve side, the first and second end rings forming the first and second ends of the sleeve, respectively.
 16. The smoking pipe of claim 1, which is about 3 inches in length.
 17. The smoking pipe of claim 1, which comprises aluminum, brass, titanium, copper, silver or a combination thereof.
 18. The smoking pipe of claim 1, wherein the mouthpiece comprises silver or copper.
 19. The smoking pipe of claim 1, wherein the pipe bowl comprises titanium.
 20. The smoking pipe of claim 1, wherein the chamber is dimensioned to hold a preselected amount of smoking material. 